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    • Find quality candidates with IndeedUse Indeed for hiring to efficiently find high-quality candidates and save time compared to other job sites

      When it comes to hiring, instead of searching for candidates yourself, use a platform like Indeed. With over 350 million monthly visitors and a matching engine, Indeed can help you find quality candidates quickly and efficiently. Plus, 93% of employers agree that Indeed delivers the highest quality matches compared to other job sites. So if you need to hire, you need Indeed. Meanwhile, in other news, our oceans are in trouble. Climate change, plastic pollution, overfishing, and melting ice caps are just a few of the issues threatening our oceans. Sylvia Earle, today's guest, has spent decades studying and advocating for ocean preservation. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic that the new generation can make a difference and save both the blue and green parts of our planet. So whether you're looking to hire or protect the environment, take action today. For hiring, use Indeed. For the environment, consider supporting organizations like Mission Blue and making small changes in your daily life to reduce your impact on the oceans. Every little bit helps.

    • Explore the ocean's wonders with the right toolsExploring the ocean can be a transformative experience. Start with snorkeling gear and consider trying scuba diving for deeper exploration. Sylvia Earle's new book offers more insights into the ocean's ecology and conservation.

      Exploring the ocean and experiencing its wonders firsthand is a valuable and enriching experience. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and explorer, encourages everyone to dive in and see the ocean's abundant and curious creatures for themselves. A good starting point is getting a good face mask, flippers, and a snorkel. These tools will help you see clearly underwater and move with greater ease. If you're interested in going deeper and staying longer, consider trying scuba diving. The ocean is full of life and beauty, and taking the time to explore it can be a transformative experience. Sylvia's new book, National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey, offers a deeper dive into the ocean's ecology and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

    • Exploring the Depths: Ocean vs SpaceBoth ocean and space exploration offer unique discoveries and experiences. Human-centered exploration provides surprise and understanding, while robots offer longer endurance and lower risk. A combination of methods will likely lead to the most valuable discoveries.

      Both space and ocean exploration offer unique opportunities for scientific discovery and human experience. The ability to explore the deepest parts of the ocean, which is as deep as commercial aircraft fly in the sky, has led to the development of underwater laboratories where researchers can live for days or even weeks at a time. While mostly scientific in nature, these experiences also provide pleasure and a sense of connection with the underwater world. The debate between human-centered exploration and robotic or sensor-driven data collection exists in both realms. Robots have advantages such as longer endurance and lower risk, but they cannot replicate the human ability to be surprised and follow hunches. While remote-controlled systems allow for human intervention, being physically present in the environment provides a different level of understanding and exploration. Ultimately, a combination of all methods will likely lead to the most comprehensive and valuable discoveries in both space and the ocean.

    • Exploring the Ocean's Depths and Learning New LanguagesExploring the ocean's depths and using language learning apps like Babbel can help us reconnect with nature and diverse cultures, broadening our perspectives and fostering interconnectedness.

      Life exists everywhere in the ocean, from microbes to blue whales, and humans are connected to it through essential cycles like the water and oxygen cycles. The use of technology, such as language learning apps like Babbel, can help us reconnect and engage with new experiences, like speaking with locals while traveling. The ocean, despite appearing uniform from the surface, holds vast diversity and complexity beneath the waves. Babbel, a science-based language learning app, can help individuals learn new languages and connect with people and cultures around the world, just as exploring the ocean helps us understand the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

    • The Ocean's Role in the Carbon Cycle and Human ExistenceThe ocean plays a vital role in producing oxygen and generating food through photosynthesis, but human activities negatively impact it by introducing harmful substances, threatening its health and our survival.

      The ocean plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen through the process of photosynthesis carried out by marine life. This living ocean is essential for human existence as it not only provides us with oxygen but also generates food. However, our actions, such as the production and disposal of synthetic materials, have negative impacts on the ocean, introducing harmful substances like microplastics and nanoplastics that persist in the environment and enter the food chain. It's important to recognize the ocean's significance and continue exploring its depths to expand our knowledge and protect its health. Ultimately, the ocean's well-being is crucial for our own survival.

    • Exploring the vast biodiversity of the oceanDespite significant progress, much of the ocean's biodiversity remains unexplored. Human activities, like plastic production and disposal, pose threats to ocean ecosystems and life.

      Our understanding of the ocean and its inhabitants is vast and ever-expanding. Despite our advancements in science and technology, there is still so much we don't know about the ocean and the diverse range of life it holds. The Census of Marine Life project was a significant step towards uncovering the past, present, and future of ocean life. However, with only about half of known animal species residing on land and nearly all categories of life present in the ocean, there is a vast array of unexplored biodiversity. Additionally, human activity, such as the production and disposal of plastic, poses a significant threat to ocean ecosystems and the life they support. It's crucial that we continue to explore, learn, and take action to preserve and protect the ocean and its inhabitants.

    • Ocean Threats: Plastic Pollution and OverfishingReduce single-use plastics and properly dispose of waste to mitigate plastic pollution. Support sustainable fishing practices and consume seafood from sustainable sources to combat overfishing.

      Our oceans are facing numerous threats, from plastic pollution to overfishing. Plastic waste harms marine life in various ways, including ingestion and starvation. Animals mistake plastic for food, leading to physical harm and even death. Microplastics and nanoplastics pose unknown risks to human health, as they are now found in water, air, and various consumer products. Overfishing, on the other hand, has led to the depletion of fish stocks, with some species, like whales, recovering but still facing challenges. Our impact on the ocean is significant, and it's crucial to consider the long-term consequences of our actions. In the case of plastic pollution, we can make a difference by reducing our use of single-use plastics and properly disposing of waste. With overfishing, we can support sustainable fishing practices and consume seafood from sustainable sources. By making conscious choices, we can help protect the ocean and the diverse life it supports.

    • Human activities harm marine life and disrupt ocean ecosystemsHuman activities, such as overfishing and pollution, threaten marine life and the ocean's ecosystem and chemistry, leading to consequences like shark extinction, depletion of fish populations, and more acidic waters.

      Human activities, particularly overfishing and pollution, are causing significant harm to marine life and disrupting the ocean's ecosystem and chemistry. Sharks, for example, are being hunted to near extinction for human consumption and sport, and their absence has major consequences for the food chain and carbon cycle. The depletion of various fish populations, including bluefin tuna and salmon, is also a major concern. The ocean's chemistry is changing due to the excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the ocean, leading to more acidic waters. These changes threaten not only marine life but also the oxygen and carbon capture capabilities of the ocean. It's crucial that we become more aware of the impact of our actions on the ocean and make necessary changes to preserve and protect marine ecosystems.

    • The true cost of seafoodOur unsustainable seafood consumption harms marine ecosystems, destroys habitats, and depletes populations. We must value the ocean and work towards sustainable practices.

      Our current approach to consuming seafood is unsustainable and has significant negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Wild animals in the ocean are often considered free resources, but the true cost includes the destruction of habitats, bycatch, and the depletion of populations. These issues are particularly pressing for bottom-dwelling species, which are often captured using destructive methods like bottom trawling. Furthermore, many people's seafood consumption is a luxury choice, rather than a necessity. Governments and individuals need to recognize the true cost of seafood and work towards more sustainable practices, such as reducing overfishing, minimizing bycatch, and supporting small-scale, sustainable fishing operations. Ultimately, we must value the ocean and the creatures that call it home, rather than treating it as an endless resource to be exploited.

    • Understanding our impact on the planet and making better choicesBy valuing nature, making sustainable food choices, and working together, we can mitigate environmental challenges and secure a safer future.

      We have disrupted the earth's systems and face significant environmental challenges, but we now have the knowledge to make better choices for the planet and our future. We must value and protect nature, from the smallest creatures to entire ecosystems, and consider the impact of our actions on the interconnected web of life. This includes making more sustainable food choices, such as opting for plant-based or faster-growing alternatives to carnivorous species, and being mindful of the methods used in their production. By making informed decisions and working together, we can mitigate the effects of decline and ensure a safer future for generations to come. The power of knowing cause and effect is our greatest tool in addressing the challenges we face and preserving the planet.

    • The Ocean's Role in Food Production and Climate ChangeA pound of tuna requires thousands of pounds of food from the ocean, while a pound of chicken or cow needs less. The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide and generates oxygen, but human activities harm its ability to do so. Whales' carbon sequestration value is worth over a trillion dollars.

      The production of seafood, particularly large carnivores like tuna, cod, and halibut, requires a vast amount of resources from the ocean's ecosystem. For instance, a pound of tuna requires the consumption of thousands of pounds of plants at the bottom of the food chain. Meanwhile, a pound of chicken or cow requires significantly less. Moreover, the ocean plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen. However, human activities, such as overfishing and deforestation, can harm the ocean's ability to absorb carbon and maintain its health. Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund estimates that the carbon sequestration value of whales alone is worth over a trillion dollars. Therefore, it's essential to respect the ocean's resources and acknowledge the hidden costs behind our food choices and environmental impact.

    • The Ocean's Role in Climate and Carbon CycleThe ocean plays a vital role in climate and carbon storage. Living organisms absorb carbon, while dead ones release it. Protecting land and sea, and creating marine protected areas, can help mitigate climate change and repair damage.

      The ocean plays a crucial role in driving climate and maintaining the complex, interacting systems of life on Earth. Dead organisms, like whales, contribute carbon to the atmosphere, while living organisms, such as whales, help keep carbon stored in the ocean. The ocean's carbon cycle is essential to understanding climate, and it's time we acknowledge the ocean as a key component of climate, not just a passive observer. By being good stewards of the land and sea, we can make a positive difference in the carbon cycle and help repair the damage we've caused. Simple actions, like planting native trees and restoring insect and bird habitats, can have a significant impact. Countries are committing to protecting at least 30% of land and sea by 2030, and individuals can join in by making small changes in their own lives. Protected areas in the sea can be established through international agreements and regulations, and it's essential to work together to ensure the health of our planet's ecosystems. The future may present challenges, but with the knowledge and solutions at our disposal, it's an exciting time for young people to take action and make a positive impact on the world.

    • Protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030Protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030 is a smart investment for our future, as the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, generates oxygen, and provides habitat for various marine species. Individuals can contribute by making small changes in their daily lives.

      Protecting at least 30% of the world's oceans by 2030 is a smart investment for our future. The ocean, which covers nearly 71% of the Earth's surface, is often referred to as our "blue heart" or "life support system." Over the past few decades, there has been significant progress in protecting marine areas, with some countries leading the way. For instance, Australia established the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to protect its coral reefs, and the United States set aside areas around historic shipwrecks as protected sites. However, only about 3% of the ocean is currently protected, but the goal is to increase that to 30%. This protection is essential as the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, generates oxygen, and provides habitat for various marine species. Furthermore, individuals can contribute by making small changes in their daily lives, such as planting trees, creating vegetable gardens, and reducing water usage. Ultimately, it's crucial to act now and do our part to protect the ocean before it's too late.

    • Embracing Nature's PowerMarine biologist Sylvia Earle highlights the importance of caring for nature and the positive outcomes it brings, including preserving marine life and restoring damaged water and forests. Our actions matter and we have the power to make a difference.

      We all have the power to make a positive impact on the environment. Sylvia Earle, a renowned marine biologist and explorer, emphasized the importance of caring for nature and the positive outcomes it brings. From preserving marine life, such as whales, to restoring damaged water and forests, the evidence is clear that our actions matter. It's no longer an excuse not to know, and we should celebrate this knowledge as a superpower. By embracing nature with care, we can make a difference and even save ourselves. Sylvia Earle's message is a reminder of the power we hold and the responsibility we have to use it wisely. So, let's continue to spread awareness and take action towards a better future for ourselves and the planet. Thank you, Sylvia, for sharing your insights on the Windscape podcast.

    Recent Episodes from Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas

    276 | Gavin Schmidt on Measuring, Predicting, and Protecting Our Climate

    276 | Gavin Schmidt on Measuring, Predicting, and Protecting Our Climate

    The Earth's climate keeps changing, largely due to the effects of human activity, and we haven't been doing enough to slow things down. Indeed, over the past year, global temperatures have been higher than ever, and higher than most climate models have predicted. Many of you have probably seen plots like this. Today's guest, Gavin Schmidt, has been a leader in measuring the variations in Earth's climate, modeling its likely future trajectory, and working to get the word out. We talk about the current state of the art, and what to expect for the future.

    Support Mindscape on Patreon.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/05/20/276-gavin-schmidt-on-measuring-predicting-and-protecting-our-climate/

    Gavin Schmidt received his Ph.D. in applied mathematics from University College London. He is currently Director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, and an affiliate of the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia University. His research involves both measuring and modeling climate variability. Among his awards are the inaugural Climate Communications Prize of the American Geophysical Union. He is a cofounder of the RealClimate blog.


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    275 | Solo: Quantum Fields, Particles, Forces, and Symmetries

    275 | Solo: Quantum Fields, Particles, Forces, and Symmetries

    Publication week! Say hello to Quanta and Fields, the second volume of the planned three-volume series The Biggest Ideas in the Universe. This volume covers quantum physics generally, but focuses especially on the wonders of quantum field theory. To celebrate, this solo podcast talks about some of the big ideas that make QFT so compelling: how quantized fields produce particles, how gauge symmetries lead to forces of nature, and how those forces can manifest in different phases, including Higgs and confinement.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/05/13/275-solo-quantum-fields-particles-forces-and-symmetries/

    Support Mindscape on Patreon.

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    AMA | May 2024

    AMA | May 2024

    Welcome to the May 2024 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good -- and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!

    Blog post with questions and transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/05/06/ama-may-2024/

    Support Mindscape on Patreon.

    Here is the memorial to Dan Dennett at Ars Technica.

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    274 | Gizem Gumuskaya on Building Robots from Human Cells

    274 | Gizem Gumuskaya on Building Robots from Human Cells

    Modern biology is advancing by leaps and bounds, not only in understanding how organisms work, but in learning how to modify them in interesting ways. One exciting frontier is the study of tiny "robots" created from living molecules and cells, rather than metal and plastic. Gizem Gumuskaya, who works with previous guest Michael Levin, has created anthrobots, a new kind of structure made from living human cells. We talk about how that works, what they can do, and what future developments might bring.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/04/29/274-gizem-gumuskaya-on-building-robots-from-human-cells/

    Support Mindscape on Patreon.

    Gimez Gumuskaya received her Ph.D. from Tufts University and the Harvard Wyss Institute for Biologically-Inspired Engineering. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Tufts University. She previously received a dual master's degree in Architecture and Synthetic Biology from MIT.

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    273 | Stefanos Geroulanos on the Invention of Prehistory

    273 | Stefanos Geroulanos on the Invention of Prehistory

    Humanity itself might be the hardest thing for scientists to study fairly and accurately. Not only do we come to the subject with certain inevitable preconceptions, but it's hard to resist the temptation to find scientific justifications for the stories we'd like to tell about ourselves. In his new book, The Invention of Prehistory, Stefanos Geroulanos looks at the ways that we have used -- and continue to use -- supposedly-scientific tales of prehistoric humanity to bolster whatever cultural, social, and political purposes we have at the moment.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/04/22/273-stefanos-geroulanos-on-the-invention-of-prehistory/

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    Stefanos Geroulanos received his Ph.D. in humanities from Johns Hopkins. He is currently director of the Remarque Institute and a professor of history at New York University. He is the author and editor of a number of books on European intellectual history. He serves as a Co-Executive Editor of the Journal of the History of Ideas.


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    272 | Leslie Valiant on Learning and Educability in Computers and People

    272 | Leslie Valiant on Learning and Educability in Computers and People

    Science is enabled by the fact that the natural world exhibits predictability and regularity, at least to some extent. Scientists collect data about what happens in the world, then try to suggest "laws" that capture many phenomena in simple rules. A small irony is that, while we are looking for nice compact rules, there aren't really nice compact rules about how to go about doing that. Today's guest, Leslie Valiant, has been a pioneer in understanding how computers can and do learn things about the world. And in his new book, The Importance of Being Educable, he pinpoints this ability to learn new things as the crucial feature that distinguishes us as human beings. We talk about where that capability came from and what its role is as artificial intelligence becomes ever more prevalent.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/04/15/272-leslie-valiant-on-learning-and-educability-in-computers-and-people/

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    Leslie Valiant received his Ph.D. in computer science from Warwick University. He is currently the T. Jefferson Coolidge Professor of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Harvard University. He has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Knuth Prize, and the Turing Award, and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is the pioneer of "Probably Approximately Correct" learning, which he wrote about in a book of the same name.

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    AMA | April 2024

    AMA | April 2024

    Welcome to the April 2024 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good -- and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!

    Blog post with questions and transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/04/08/ama-april-2024/

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    271 | Claudia de Rham on Modifying General Relativity

    271 | Claudia de Rham on Modifying General Relativity

    Einstein's theory of general relativity has been our best understanding of gravity for over a century, withstanding a variety of experimental challenges of ever-increasing precision. But we have to be open to the possibility that general relativity -- even at the classical level, aside from any questions of quantum gravity -- isn't the right theory of gravity. Such speculation is motivated by cosmology, where we have a good model of the universe but one with a number of loose ends. Claudia de Rham has been a leader in exploring how gravity could be modified in cosmologically interesting ways, and we discuss the current state of the art as well as future prospects.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/04/01/271-claudia-de-rham-on-modifying-general-relativity/

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    Claudia de Rham received her Ph.D. in physics from the University of Cambridge. She is currently a professor of physics and deputy department head at Imperial College, London. She is a Simons Foundation Investigator, winner of the Blavatnik Award, and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Her new book is The Beauty of Falling: A Life in Pursuit of Gravity.


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    270 | Solo: The Coming Transition in How Humanity Lives

    270 | Solo: The Coming Transition in How Humanity Lives

    Technology is changing the world, in good and bad ways. Artificial intelligence, internet connectivity, biological engineering, and climate change are dramatically altering the parameters of human life. What can we say about how this will extend into the future? Will the pace of change level off, or smoothly continue, or hit a singularity in a finite time? In this informal solo episode, I think through what I believe will be some of the major forces shaping how human life will change over the decades to come, exploring the very real possibility that we will experience a dramatic phase transition into a new kind of equilibrium.

    Blog post with transcript and links to additional resources: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/03/25/270-solo-the-coming-transition-in-how-humanity-lives/

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    269 | Sahar Heydari Fard on Complexity, Justice, and Social Dynamics

    269 | Sahar Heydari Fard on Complexity, Justice, and Social Dynamics

    When it comes to social change, two questions immediately present themselves: What kind of change do we want to see happen? And, how do we bring it about? These questions are distinct but related; there's not much point in spending all of our time wanting change that won't possibly happen, or working for change that wouldn't actually be good. Addressing such issues lies at the intersection of philosophy, political science, and social dynamics. Sahar Heydari Fard looks at all of these issues through the lens of complex systems theory, to better understand how the world works and how it might be improved.

    Blog post with transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2024/03/18/269-sahar-heydari-fard-on-complexity-justice-and-social-dynamics/

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    Sahar Heydari Fard received a Masters in applied economics and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Cincinnati. She is currently an assistant professor in philosophy at the Ohio State University. Her research lies at the intersection of social and behavioral sciences, social and political philosophy, and ethics, using tools from complex systems theory.


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    Related Episodes

    22 | Joe Walston on Conservation, Urbanization, and the Way We Live on Earth

    22 | Joe Walston on Conservation, Urbanization, and the Way We Live on Earth
    There's no question that human activity is causing enormous changes on our planet's environment, from deforestation to mass extinction to climate change. But perhaps there is a tiny cause for optimism -- or at least, the prospect of a new equilibrium, if we can manage to ameliorate our most destructive impulses. Wildlife conservationist Joe Walston argues that -- seemingly paradoxically, but not really -- increasing urbanization provides hope for biodiversity preservation and poverty alleviation moving forward. As one piece of evidence, while our population is still growing, the rate of growth has slowed substantially as people move into cities and new opportunities become available. We discuss these trends, the causes underlying them, and what strategies suggest themselves to bring humans into balance with the environment before it's too late. Joe Walston is Senior Vice President for Field Conservation the Wildlife Conservation Society. He received his Masters degree in Zoology and Animal Biology from Aberdeen University. Before moving to New York, he spent fifteen years working in on conservation programs in Africa and SouthEast Asia. His work in Cambodia was awarded with that country's highest civilian honor. A species of tube-nosed bat has been named Murina Walston in recognition of his work on protecting bat habitats. Wildlife Conservation Society ResearchGate Page Twitter Paper on urbanization and biodiversity (and press release) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    133 | Ziya Tong on Realities We Don't See

    133 | Ziya Tong on Realities We Don't See

    It’s a truism that what we see about the world is a small fraction of all that exists. At the simplest level of physics and biology, our senses are drastically limited; we only see a narrow spectrum of electromagnetic waves, and we only hear a narrow band of sound. We don’t feel neutrinos or dark matter at all, even as they pass through our bodies, and we can’t perceive microscopic objects. While science can help us overcome some of these limitations, they do shape how we think about the world. Ziya Tong takes this idea and expands it to include the parts of our social and moral worlds that are effectively invisible to us — from where our food comes from to how we decide how wealth is allocated in society.

    Support Mindscape on Patreon.

    Ziya Tong received a B.A. in psychology and sociology from the University of British Columbia, and an M.A. in communications from McGill University. She has served as host, writer, director, producer, and reporter from a number of science programs, most notably Daily Planet on Discovery Canada. She is a Trustee of the World Wildlife Fund, and served on the Board of WWF Canada. Her book The Reality Bubble: How Science Reveals the Hidden Truths that Shape Our World was published in 2019.


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    Premiering Laws of Notion

    Premiering Laws of Notion

    Science was revolutionized by Newton’s laws of motion.

    But how can we revolutionize our ideas?

    Laws of Notion is a podcast by the Institute for Science & Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where we push against our preconceived beliefs and think critically about the world around us. Each season, we’ll tell a story about an issue facing a community, where there are no easy answers. We’ll explore the interconnections between science, policy, and our human nature.

    To learn more about the podcast check out lawsofnotion.org.

    32 | Naomi Oreskes on Climate Change and the Distortion of Scientific Facts

    32 | Naomi Oreskes on Climate Change and the Distortion of Scientific Facts
    Our climate is in the midst of dramatic changes, driven largely by human activity, with potentially enormous consequences for humanity and other species. That’s why science tells us, anyway. But there is an influential contingent, especially in the United States, who deny that reality, and work hard to prevent policy action that might ameliorate it. Where did this resistance come from, and what makes it so successful? Naomi Oreskes is a distinguished historian of science who has become, half-reluctantly, the world’s expert on this question. It turns out to be a fascinating story starting with just a handful of scientists who were passionate not only about climate, but also whether smoking causes cancer, and who cared deeply about capitalism, communism, and the Cold War. Support Mindscape on Patreon or Paypal. Naomi Oreskes received her Ph.D. in Geological Research and History of Science from Stanford University. She is now a professor of the History of Science at Harvard. She is the author of numerous books and scholarly articles, many on the public reception of science. Merchants of Doubt, co-authored with Erik M. Conway, was made into a feature-length documentary film. Harvard web page Wikipedia Amazon author page TED Talk on Why we should trust scientists Twitter See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    43 | Matthew Luczy on the Pleasures of Wine

    43 | Matthew Luczy on the Pleasures of Wine
    Some people never drink wine; for others, it’s an indispensable part of an enjoyable meal. Whatever your personal feelings might be, wine seems to exhibit a degree of complexity and nuance that can be intimidating to the non-expert. Where does that complexity come from, and how can we best approach wine? To answer these questions, we talk to Matthew Luczy, sommelier and wine director at Mélisse, one of the top fine-dining restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Matthew insisted that we actually drink wine rather than just talking about it, so drink we do. Therefore, in a Mindscape first, I recruited a third party to join us and add her own impressions of the tasting: science writer Jennifer Ouellette, who I knew would be available because we’re married to each other. We talk about what makes different wines distinct, the effects of aging, and what’s the right bottle to have with pizza. You are free to drink along at home, with exactly these wines or some other choices, but I think the podcast will be enjoyable whether you do or not. Support Mindscape on Patreon or Paypal. Mattew Luczy is a Certified Sommelier as judged by the Court of Master Sommeliers. He currently works as the Wine Director at Mélisse in Santa Monica, California. He is also active in photography and music. Mélisse home page Personal/photography page Instagram Ask a Somm: When Should I Decant Wine? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.